scholarly journals Transformation of Rural Communities in Las Huastecas Region in Mexico. Preliminary Field Research Report.

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 233-242
Author(s):  
Bogumiła Lisocka-Jaegermann ◽  
Maria Skoczek ◽  
Joaquín Roberto González Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Seasonal Migration ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Research Report ◽  
Regional Studies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Rural Labor ◽  
Social Actors

Abstract The article contains preliminary report of field study conducted in February 2006 in Las Huastecas Region in Mexico by members of the Department of Regional Studies on Latin America at the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies of Warsaw University. The aim of the research was to determine changes in socio-economic patterns of Las Huastecas rural areas, as well as to grasp the way local inhabitants perceived them. Open and semi-structured interviews were held with local authorities and inhabitants, in many cases with the same persons that were interviewed during the previous research trip in 2001. Conclusions deal with such aspects of Las Huastecas reality, as further improvement in social and technical infrastructure, intensification of diversification of revenues including short and medium temporal migration to big cities in northern parts of Mexico as well as seasonal migration of rural labor to agribusiness sector. Some limited new initiatives related to small scale tourism, preservation of cultural heritage and aquaculture were also observed. The local inhabitants perceived their actual situation as more difficult than 5 years ago, but we have impression that many of social actors have been more active during this period.

scholarly journals Residents' perceptions of the environmental and social impact of tourism in rural areas

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sotiroula Liasidou ◽  
Christiana Stylianou ◽  
Galina Berjozkina ◽  
Zanete Garanti
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Activity ◽  
Social And Environmental Impacts

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an understanding of residents' perceptions of how tourism activity in a rural area impacts their environment as well as their economic and social lives individually and as a community.Design/methodology/approachAs a primary method of data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 residents in the rural areas of Cyprus.FindingsThe study's findings suggest that tourism activity in the rural areas provides a plethora of opportunities to residents, but comes with challenges and threats. Both social and environmental impacts are mainly for the benefit of the local communities as the engine of development. Emphasis is given to the revival of the local culture with the emergence of small and medium enterprises, along with the motivation of younger populations and women to become active entrepreneurs. However, a more holistic approach should be taken to sustainable tourism development in Cyprus, ensuring that all local communities have an opportunity to develop small-scale niche tourism products that enhance the image of rural destinations and which become a source of pride for the residents.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the literature by enhancing knowledge of the relationship between tourism and local rural communities. Shedding light on residents' perceptions by evaluating social and environmental impacts can guide government policy making and implementation.

scholarly journals Using network analysis to analyse the complex interaction of factors causing the failure of small-scale water infrastructure (SWI) in the rural areas of South Africa

Water SA ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (3 July) ◽  
Author(s):  
DC Sambo ◽  
A Senzanje ◽  
K Dhavu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Water Services ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Technical Community ◽  
Drying Up

Some parts of the rural areas of South Africa are receiving water services below the legislative standards stipulated in the Water Services Act (1997) of South Africa. This is because small-scale water infrastructures (SWI), including standpipes, handpumps and windmills, are failing to supply adequate water in rural communities for various activities that enhance their livelihoods. This is due to technical, community, institutional, and environmental factors. Literature indicates that these factors are complex in nature. However, research on their complex interactions has been limited. Therefore, the complex interactions of the factors causing SWI failure were investigated and analysed in this study. A qualitative research approach was employed to investigate the factors that cause failure of SWI. The network approach combined with graph theory and the community structure method were used to generate a theme and domain network that allowed for a systematic analysis and interpretation of the causes of SWI failure in the study area. The major causes of failure identified include: (i) the use of a top-down approach to implement water projects in rural communities without consultation, (ii) sharing of SWI in high numbers due to the limited number of SWI available/functional, resulting in overloading and increased breakdowns, and (iii) drying up of water sources due to poor siting leading to vandalism of SWI. Overall, the causes of SWI failure are as a result of the complex interactions of different categories of factors. The theme and domain network is a powerful tool that can be used represent and analyse the complex interactions. It is therefore imperative for interventions aiming to improve rural water supply to analyse the complex interactions of the causes of SWI failure to understand the underlying problems at a level of a system, in order to propose suitable solutions.

Rural Neighborhood Walkability: Implications for Assessment

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (s1) ◽  
pp. S40-S45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Kegler ◽  
Iris Alcantara ◽  
Regine Haardörfer ◽  
Alexandra Gemma ◽  
Denise Ballard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
Bodies Of Water ◽  
Active Adults

Background:Physical activity levels, including walking, are lower in the southern U.S., particularly in rural areas. This study investigated the concept of rural neighborhood walkability to aid in developing tools for assessing walkability and to identify intervention targets in rural communities.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physically active adults (n = 29) in rural Georgia. Mean age of participants was 55.9 years; 66% were male, 76% were white, and 24% were African American. Participants drew maps of their neighborhoods and discussed the relevance of typical domains of walkability to their decisions to exercise. Comparative analyses were conducted to identify major themes.Results:The majority felt the concept of neighborhood was applicable and viewed their neighborhood as small geographically (less than 0.5 square miles). Sidewalks were not viewed as essential for neighborhood-based physical activity and typical destinations for walking were largely absent. Destinations within walking distance included neighbors’ homes and bodies of water. Views were mixed on whether shade, safety, dogs, and aesthetics affected decisions to exercise in their neighborhoods.Conclusions:Measures of neighborhood walkability in rural areas should acknowledge the small size of self-defined neighborhoods, that walking in rural areas is likely for leisure time exercise, and that some domains may not be relevant.

Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Family Farms and the Dairy Industry

2022 ◽  
pp. 898-916
Author(s):  
Vanessa Ratten ◽  
Leo-Paul Dana
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Family Farms ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Regional Competitiveness ◽  
Agricultural Industry ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
International Standing ◽  
Entrepreneurial Strategies

There has been increasing recognition that for regional competitiveness in rural areas there needs to be a focus on sustainable farming initiatives especially for family farms that are competing with global conglomerates. Family farms, whilst declining in number, are the purpose of this paper studying the rural entrepreneurship in family farms as they are at the heart of rural communities and the overall agricultural industry and comprise a high percentage of total farms. This paper takes a case study approach using in-depth semi structured interviews to delve into the types of entrepreneurial strategies that are distinctive of family farms in terms of their sustainability approach to farming. Dairy farms in the West Victorian area of Australia are studied and the findings suggest that family farms can increase their regional competitiveness and international standing by focusing on their collaborative, social and sustainable entrepreneurial strategies.

scholarly journals Creative tourism: catalysing artisan entrepreneur networks in rural Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 731-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Eva Bakas ◽  
Nancy Duxbury ◽  
Tiago Vinagre de Castro
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Social Embeddedness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Small Cities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rural Context ◽  
First Time

Purpose Given limited research about how artisans become integrated into tourism, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the emergence of artisan entrepreneur–mediators who link artisans to tourism in rural areas and small cities in Portugal. Using social embeddedness as a conceptual framework, this paper views artisan entrepreneur–mediators as existing within an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The paper investigates their role within this ecosystem and how social networks influence the artisan entrepreneur–mediators’ roles in connecting artisans to creative tourism. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on new (2017 and 2018) empirical evidence developed through two rounds of semi-structured interviews of five artisan entrepreneur–mediators. Findings This paper finds that artisan entrepreneur–mediators in rural areas or small cities take on multiple roles as networking agents who organize and offer creative tourism experiences, providing the missing link between artisans and tourists. An analysis of the nuances of the operations of these artisan entrepreneur–mediators suggests that high levels of social embeddedness within local rural communities are important in order for these neo-rural entrepreneurs to attain their goals. Originality/value Originality lies in the identification of a gap in artisan entrepreneurship literature in a rural context. It is the first time that a critical analysis of artisan entrepreneur–mediators who facilitate the link between artisans and tourism is carried out in terms of social embeddedness, their roles and connections to creative tourism, and types of community engagement.

scholarly journals Where are they working? A case study of twenty Cuban-trained South African doctors

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Munirah Motala ◽  
Jacqueline Van Wyk
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
South African ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Career Choices ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Primary Care Level

Background: The year 2017 marked the 21st anniversary of the South African Cuban Medical Collaboration (SACMC) programme that offers disadvantaged South African (SA) students an opportunity for medical training in Cuba. Graduates are expected to return to practice at a primary care level in rural communities; however, little is known about the professional trajectories and career choices of graduates from the programme.Aim: This study explored the reasons why students enrolled in the programme, their professional and career choices as graduates and their career intentions.Setting: The study setting was the whole of SA although participants were primarily drawn from KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: An exploratory, qualitative case study used a purposive sampling strategy to gather data through semi-structured interviews from participants.Results: Graduates (N = 20) of the SACMC programme were all practicing in local SA settings. Participants preferred the SACMC programme as it offered them a full scholarship for medical training. Nineteen doctors had fulfilled their obligation to work in rural areas. Thirteen doctors are engaged in primary healthcare practice, either as private practice generalists or as public service medical officers. Three doctors had completed specialty training: one doctor was training towards specialisation, one doctor was employed at national government and two doctors were employed as medical managers. At the time of the study, 11 doctors were practicing in rural locations and 19 had indicated a long-term intention to work and live within South Africa.Conclusion: The participants of this study who graduated from the SACMC programme are fulfilling their obligations in rural communities. They all intend to contribute to the SA medical workforce in the long-term.

scholarly journals The lawn grew too quickly! Perception of rural idyll by Czech amenity migrants

GeoScape ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Píša
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Initial Image ◽  
Rural Space ◽  
Initial Perception

Abstract The arrival of amenity migrants has significant impacts for many rural areas in economic, environmental and social terms. While the causes of relocation from cities to remote rural localities can be generally understood as attempts to change the way of life, the consequences of this phenomenon are relatively diverse. Perception of rural space from the migrant´s point of view stems partly from the so-called rural idyll, which shapes the image of the countryside across society, especially through media, tourism and recreation. This study aims to discover links between rural idyll and motivational factors of the Czech amenity migrants. Semi-structured interviews with the Czech amenity migrants have been used in order to uncover the social dimension of the phenomenon of rural idyll. Emphasis has been put both on the genesis of their relationship to the rural environment, but also on the consistency and differences between expectations and the reality of rural life. I identify the key role of tourism and recreation in shaping the initial perception of rural space, whereas the role of media is rather implicit. In the perception of amenity migrants, the initial image of rural space differed only slightly when the physical environment of rural space is considered but a mismatch is found between initial ideas about rural communities and their real experience after moving there.

scholarly journals An exploration of the experiences of GP registrar supervisors in small rural communities: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Lobena Couch ◽  
Belinda O’Sullivan ◽  
Deborah Russell ◽  
Matthew McGrail ◽  
Glen Wallace ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Scope Of Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Training Systems ◽  
Access To Primary Care ◽  
Registrar Training ◽  
Improve Patient

Abstract Background: In Australia registrar training to become a general practitioner (GP) involves three to four years of supervised learning with at least 50% of GP registrars training wholly in rural areas. In particular rural over regional GP placements are important for developing future GPs with broader skills because the rural scope of practice is wider. Having enough GP supervisors in smaller rural communities is essential such training. We aimed to explore what makes rural GPs’ based outside of major regional centres, participate in supervising or not, their experiences of supervising, and impact of their practice context. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 25 GPs based in rural Tasmania (outside of major regions - Hobart and Launceston), in towns of <25,000 population, to explore the GPs’ professional backgrounds, their experiences of supervising GP registrars, their practice context and their decisions about supervising GP registrars or not. Thematic analysis was undertaken; key ideas, concepts and experiences were identified and then reviewed and further refined to core themes. Results: Supervising was perceived to positively impact on quality of clinical care, reduce busy-ness and improve patient access to primary care. It was energising for GPs working in rural contexts. Rural GPs noted business factors impacted the decision to participate in supervision and the experience of participating: including uncertainty and discontinuity of registrar supply (rotational training systems), registrar competence and generating income. Conclusions: Supervising is strongly positive for rural GPs and related to job satisfaction but increasing supervision capacity in rural areas may depend on better policies to assure continuity of rural registrars as well as policies and systems that enable viable supervision models tailored to the context.

scholarly journals PEDAGOGIA DA ALTERNÂNCIA: teoria e prática na construção do conhecimento

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 581
Author(s):  
Jocyléia Santana dos Santos ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Leoncio Macedo
Keyword(s):  
Oral History ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Quality Education ◽  
Integration Time ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Calidad De Vida ◽  
Palabras Clave ◽  
Object Of Study

A pesquisa objetiva analisar se a Pedagogia da Alternância desenvolvida na Escola Família Agrícola de Porto Nacional realiza a integração do tempo escola com o tempo comunidade, trazendo melhoria e conhecimentos técnicos para a produção no campo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de pesquisa documental e de campo, utilizou-se do método da história oral temática, com entrevistas semiestruturadas com pessoas ligadas ao objeto de estudo, sendo os pais, alunos e funcionários da Escola. Conclui-se que a Pedagogia da Alternância desenvolvida na Escola traz qualidade de ensino e de vida para o educando e a comunidade de assentados. No tempo comunidade, o estudante troca experiência com a família e os camponeses, utilizando-se dos instrumentos da Pedagogia da Alternância, melhorando sua produção e as técnicas agrícolas empregadas em seu meio rural.   PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Pedagogia da Alternância. Educação do/no Campo. Teoria e Prática. História Oral Temática.     ABSTRACT The research aims to analyze whether the Pedagogy of Alternation developed at the School Agricultural Family of Porto Nacional performs integration time school with time community, bringing improvement and technical expertise to the production in the field. Data were collected through documentary and field research, we used the thematic oral history method, semi-structured interviews with people linked to the object of study, and parents, students and staff of the School. It is concluded that the Pedagogy of Alternation developed at the School brings quality education and life for the student and the community of settlers. Time community, student exchange experience with family and peasants, using the tools of Pedagogy of Alternation, improving its production and farming techniques employed in their rural areas.   KEYWORDS: Pedagogy of Alternation. Education / Field. Theory and practice. Oral History Theme.     RESUMEN La investigación tiene como objetivo analizar si la pedagogía de la alternancia desarrollado en la Escuela de la Familia Agrícola Porto Nacional lleva a cabo la integración escolar de tiempo con la comunidad de tiempo, con lo que mejora y experiencia técnica para la producción en el campo. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de la investigación documental y de campo, se utilizó el método de la historia oral, con entrevistas semiestructuradas con personas relacionadas con el objeto de estudio, y los padres, estudiantes y personal de la Escuela. Se concluye que la pedagogía de la alternancia desarrollado en la Escuela lleva la educación y calidad de vida para el estudiante y la comunidad de colonos. Comunidad de tiempo, la experiencia de intercambio de estudiantes con la familia y los campesinos, utilizando las herramientas de la Pedagogía de la Alternancia, mejorando sus técnicas de producción agrícola y empleados en sus áreas rurales.   PALABRAS CLAVE: Pedagogía de la Alternancia. Educación / campo. Teoría y Práctica. Oral Temática Historia.

scholarly journals Partnership Model for Optimizing the Use of Village Funds

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Mukhtar Sarman
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Partnership Model ◽  
Self Reliance ◽  
The Government

Since 2015, the Government has allocated village development funds in the form of Village Fund policies of IDR 20.7 trillion, then in 2016 it increased to IDR 46.9 trillion, and continues to increase in the following years. However, based on field research in a number of regions in Indonesia, it turns out that the use of Village Funds is not optimal, some of which have been proven wrongly targeted, not transparent in use, and not accountable in reporting. The aspect of planning activities and the quality of human resources implementing policies and coordination between parties that should play a role are still a major problem. The PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model is actually intended for the development of large-scale projects, such as the construction of highways or seaports and airports. But by taking the substance of cooperation from the parties that each have strengths, the PPP model (and its variants) may be applicable in the use of Village Funds. Using secondary data analysts, the following article discusses the theoretical aspects of the advantages of the PPP model. This model is juxtaposed with cases of success in building the economic self-reliance of rural communities with the help of private parties and academics. It is assumed that the partnership model can be an alternative solution to further optimize the use of Village Funds in order to reduce poverty in rural areas.  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document